Carlisle mum-of-three admits benefit fraud

By Court reporter on 22/02/2018 at 11:58am

Carlisle Magistrates Court

A mother-of-three children has appeared before District Judge Gerald Chalk today [Thurs] from custody at Carlisle Magistrates Court.

Tracey Michelle Lee, 36, gave her address as Marks Avenue, Raffles, Carlisle, she pleaded guilty to benefit fraud involving £1,525.48, in that she dishonestly made a false statement to obtain a financial benefit.

The court was told she received Jobseekers allowance between November 4, 2015 and May 12, 2016.

Lee kept ‘signing-on’ stating she was not working and actively seeking work, when in fact she was doing her sister job while she was unwell.

Peter Kelly prosecuting informed the court that during the period Tracey Michelle Lee was not-entitled to claim benefit, she had signed-on six times declaring she was not working.

The judge was informed that Lee is paying back the overpaid money to the Department for Works and Pensions and she apologises to the court, the original claim was genuine and became fraudulent over time.

She was placed on a Community Order, she will have a house curfew for 7-weeks between 8pm and 6am and have an electronic tag fitted, she also has to pay court costs of £85 and victims surcharge of £85.